River Street's East End Closed for Pole Replacement in North Adams

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — River Street was closed between Freeman Avenue and Eagle Street for a few hours on Monday afternoon to replace a utility pole.

Police reported that the pole was struck in a motor vehicle accident on Monday morning. The pole is located by Dave's Package Store at the corner of Eagle and River.

"Crews are working diligently to resolve this issue and the roadway will be reopened as soon as possible," stated Lt. Anthony Beverly in a posting on the Police Department's Facebook page.

North Adams Police Investigating Feces Vandalism

Staff Reports05:12PM / Wednesday August 07, 2019

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Authorities are investigating a disturbing incident that occurred early Wednesday morning at Brayton Hill Apartments.

According to Facebook posts made by friends and neighbors of the victim, someone smeared feces over her door and air conditioner and left a pile on her deck.

The victim, a single black woman with small children who is not being named, told friends that there had been a loud party in the apartment next door on Tuesday night and a racial slur could be heard repeatedly. That has lead some to believe that it could be a hate crime.

The perpetrator was reportedly caught on video by security cameras at the housing complex around 3 a.m.

Police on Thursday offered more information in that officers responded to the

The Facebook post also averred that the perpetrator was wearing clothing similar to that of one of the men at the party, but none of this information could be confirmed. Another poster, who says the gathering was at her home, denied there were any racist elements and said she was told by management that the suspect appeared hours after her guests left.

Police Lt. Anthony Beverly on Wednesday stated that police were actively investigating the incident but referred any further questions to the chief of police or the district attorney's office.

According to Facebook posts made by friends and neighbors of the victim, someone smeared feces over her door and air conditioner and left a pile on her deck.

The victim, a single black woman with small children who is not being named, told friends that there had been a loud party in the apartment next door on Tuesday night and a racial slur could be heard repeatedly. That has lead some to believe that it could be a hate crime.

The perpetrator was reportedly caught on video by security cameras at the housing complex around 3 a.m.

Police on Thursday offered more information in that officers were dispatched to Brayton Hill at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

The responding officer and detectives assigned to the case are working with the Brayton Hill property manager, Millenia Housing Management, to determine if a suspect or suspects can be identified.

Police Chief Jason Wood said the department also is working in collaboration with District Attorney Andrea Harrington's office, including investigating possible racist motivations for the act.

"The district attorney's office condemns this behavior,” said Harrington in a statement forwarded by Wood. "We will use the full force of the law to hold accountable those who undermine the peace and safety of our community."

Mayor Thomas Bernard on Wednesday night said was aware of the incident and police investigation.

The Facebook post also averred that the perpetrator was wearing clothing similar to that of one of the men at the party, but none of this information could be confirmed. Another poster, who says the gathering was at her home, denied there were any racist elements and said she was told by management that the suspect appeared hours after her guests left.

Wood's statement said law enforcement will pursue every lead while ensuring that every citizen's constitutional rights are upheld, protected, and respected in the pursuit of justice for the victim of this reprehensible crime.

Outrage over the incident was immediate as the post was shared with community groups. A GoFundMe was set up to help the victim purchase a new air conditioner, security cameras in addition to the facility's and new locks, as well as to provide for moving costs should that become necessary.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the North Adams Police Department at 413-664-4945.

Write-thru at 2:36 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, including statement from Wood and Harrington.

Deer Causes Accident on Route 2

Staff Reports05:21PM / Friday August 02, 2019

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A deer was killed Friday afternoon after a collission with two Jeeps.

The accident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. near Galvin Road. The deer was attempting to cross Route 2 when it was struck by a dark gray Jeep Patriot heading east. The Patriot knocked the deer in a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee heading west.

The deer ended up under the Galvin Road sign on the north side of the road. Both vehicles were able to turn off the highway until first-responders arrived. No one in the two vehicles were injured.

The Grand Cherokee incurred damage to its hood and lights on the passenger side. The Patriot had more extensive damage to its front end and its windshield was smashed on the driver's side. The Patriot was taken away by Cariddi Auto and police were contacting someone who could dispose of the deer.

North Adams and Williamstown Police, North Adams Fire and Northern Berkshire Ambulance responded to the scene.

North Adams Police Investigating Report of Firearms Discharged

Staff Reports10:00PM / Saturday July 20, 2019

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Police are investigating shots that were fired in the Greylock Valley Apartments neighborhood on Thursday night.

"Officers did respond to the area of Angelli Street and Grant Street for report of several shots fired," wrote Police Chief Jason Wood in an email. "There is evidence leading us to believe a firearm was discharged."

The report of shots being fired was called into the police at 9:27 p.m. but no one who could implicated in the shooting was at the scene when police arrived. Wood did not say what evidence was found.

"Fortunately, at this time, there does not appear to be any injuries to persons or property," he said.

The incident is still under active investigation by the North Adams Police Detective Bureau and the state police Crime Prevention and Control Unit.

Motor Vehicle Hit by Tree on Massachusetts Avenue

Staff Reports12:04PM / Friday June 28, 2019

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A tree limb smashed through the windshield of a Honda sport utility vehicle on Massachusetts Avenue Extension on Thursday evening

The driver was heading east when a tree fell on the south side of the road at about 5:20 p.m. Police, fire and Northern Berkshire EMS responded. The driver was uninjured but Honda incurred significant damage to the roof, windshield and hood. A piece of wood also pierced the back passenger tire.

The road was briefly closed until the tree could be cut up by firefighters and the SUV towed away.

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